Blue Nose Aerial Imaging of Castle Pines

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RTK, PPK & Ground Control: The Aerial Advantage Guide

How a drone map actually reaches centimeter accuracy, in plain English. The three methods, the absolute-vs-relative accuracy idea most people miss, and how to tell a verified number from a spec-sheet claim. Written by an airline captain who flies the missions himself.

Scott WallaceAirline Captain & FAA-Certificated Remote PilotUpdated July 4, 2026

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What's inside

  • Why a drone map floats meters off without corrections
  • Absolute vs. relative accuracy, the idea that protects you
  • RTK, PPK, and ground control points, side by side
  • What each method costs in field time and hardware
  • Independent checkpoints: accuracy you can prove, not just trust
  • Which method fits construction, roofs, golf, and volumetrics
  • The honest line: where a licensed surveyor is still required
  • The questions to ask any drone mapping provider

Who it's for

  • Construction and earthwork teams whose numbers ride on the map
  • Property and facility managers comparing drone data providers
  • Anyone who's been quoted 'centimeter accuracy' and wants to verify it

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